Published December 31, 2021
Five Creative Ways to Recycle Your Real Christmas Tree
The holiday season is winding down, and if you purchased a real tree this year, you may have noticed that the needles could be falling off, the trunk may be dry and parts of the tree are starting to turn brown. Believe it or not though, even though your tree is at the end of its life, there are still plenty of ways you can continue to use it! Real trees are biodegradable, meaning that they can be reused or recycled for a variety of things around your home. Here are five ways Verity Group likes to recycle or reuse our Christmas trees!
Turn it into Mulch
Mulch is a great way to keep your plants and your yard trees healthy and moist during the Winter season. Pine needles have a lot of nutrients that enhance your soil. You can also mix the pine needles in your compost pile - your garden will love it come Spring!
Make Coasters
You don’t have to be a craftsman to cut the trunk into one-inch wood coasters. Before you start, make sure the tree trunk is drying. Don't forget to varnish on them and protect your surface.
DIY Ornaments
Similar to coasters, you could easily cut a few extra to use for ornaments on next year's tree! Cut the truck, glue on a family photo, drill a hole, and put a string through. Let them dry and tuck them away as an ornament for the following years. There are numerous ways to get creative with this one - break out the paint and glitter glue and let your kid's imagination run wild. They will love having their artwork displayed on the tree.
Donate to Chico's Pizza Annual Tree Drive
Chico's Pizza in Virginia Beach is hosting its annual Christmas tree drive again this year, where you can donate your tree to help battle erosion on the Outer Banks beaches! Check out their Facebook page for more information, including how to get a free pizza in exchange for your tree!
Curbside Pick-Up
Usually, two weeks after Christmas your local trash company will pick up the tree on the curb, and some may even have composting or recycling programs. Before you drag the tree to the street make sure there are not any requirements and if there are make sure to follow them. The requirements are usually size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc. Check out this blog for more information on recycling your tree in Hampton Roads.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and successful New Year! - Verity Group
